Robert H. VanAlstyne

Robert H. VanAlstyne, 76, of Fultonville, N.Y. died on Christmas Day. Robert was born to the late Robert J. and Helene VanAlstyne on April 17, 1948. He lived most of his life in Fultonville. In 1966 he met the love of his life Sally. They married in 1968 and shared 49 years of marriage until her death in 2017.
Robert was a very hard worker, often working 2 or 3 jobs at a time. This was not out of necessity, but rather because he loved each one. During his lifetime he worked as a NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Dairy Inspector. He retired in 2003 after 33 years. He also served proudly as a Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy. Robert was credited for saving many lives as a road patrol officer and rescue scuba diver. In 1995 he received the prestigious Life Saving Award from the department. After his retirement from NYS, Robert led the security team at Amsterdam High School where he positively impacted the lives of many students. Continuing his dedication to community service, Robert worked to keep Fonda Fultonville Central School sporting events, The Fonda Fair, and The Fonda Speedway a safe environment for all. Robert was a well known local high school soccer referee, basketball referee and baseball umpire. Robert favored umpiring and served many years in leadership positions with the Schenectady Baseball Umpire Association. His service on the diamond was highlighted with the great honor of being named NYS Umpire of the Year in 2013.
Even though he worked very hard, he knew how to enjoy his hobbies– especially traveling with Sally. Robert was an avid outdoorsman and visitors of his home enjoyed the many trophy sized mounts Robert proudly displayed. He hunted and fished locally, yet often made sporting trips to Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Canada, and Pulaski, New York. Robert once held the world record for a steelhead he caught in Pulaski. Robert was also very involved in the Ducks Unlimited and most recently Pheasant Forever local chapters, organizing hunts for both youth and veterans. As a competitive trap shooter Robert participated in the 1984 Olympic trials in Los Angeles and participated many times in the NYS Empire State Games, where he often emerged as the top competitor.
Robert is survived by his son and best friend Robert L. (Boo) and wife Tammy VanAlstyne, his daughter Tracy and husband Stephen Russo. Grandsons Robert W. and wife Heidi VanAlstyne, Stephen and wife Natalie Russo, Benjamin and wife Kathryn Russo and Sebastian Russo. Great-granddaughter Noah Russo and Great-grandson Luca Russo. His siblings Suzanne (Gary) Hinkle, MaryEllen (Vernon) Francisco and Lawrence VanAlstyne. Step-granddaughters, Melissa (Dave) Simmons, Nicole (Al Chapman) Jackson. Step-Great-grandsons Devin, Cameron, JJ and Carter. Step-Great-Granddaughter Makalah. He is also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws and friends that were like his family. Along with his parents and wife, Robert was predeceased by his brother Jeffrey VanAlstyne and beloved labrador retrievers (his hunting partners) Hershey, Tanner and Parker.
The family would like to specially thank Lisa Dwyer. Lisa helped Robert in his home for the last 2 years. It took a bit of time, but Robert did learn to accept the assistance and grew to consider Lisa a great friend.
Calling hours for Robert will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 11am until 2pm, where a service will be held at 2pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 15 Main Steet Fultonville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert's name can be made to the Capital Region Pheasants Forever, 3831 State Highway 30, Amsterdam, NY, 12010.
In Robert's honor please hug your loved ones a little tighter and spend some extra time with family this holiday season. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" Peter 4:8-1.